There was, as long as the Holy Temple stood and the priests were able to carry out the Temple services. That period was interrupted 1,941 years ago, and hasn't been restored yet.
mysite.verizon.net/vzevpn2q/sermons/id2.html <--- this seems to be a good website to check out. It's good about explaining the different types of sacrifice (namely 5: burnt, meat, peace, sin, and...
They were performed both as a gift and offering to God:And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the...
God asked Abraham to take his son and sacrifice him. This proved how loyal Abraham was to God and because of that God told Abraham that he would sacrifice his son instead....